For thousands of years, people have shared this beautiful region of Arizona
with
wildlife - and for good reason. The Verde River and its tributaries give
life to
birds and many other wildlife and plant species.

The geographic area is small enough that you can base your trip in any
of the cities
mentioned below.

Start your trip at the stunning red rocks of Sedona, just two hours north
of Phoenix.
Today, visit Honanki and Palatki - large and beautiful ancient ruins with
impressive
displays of rock art.

This afternoon, head out on the scenic Boynton Canyon Trail for a two-hour
hike
through the sacred Native American land. Next, enjoy a Jeep tour on the
back roads
of this beautiful Red Rock Country. Be sure to include time to enjoy the
sunset
at Airport Road Overlook - and don't forget your camera!

Enjoy dinner at one of the many area restaurants.

Overnight at one of Sedona's Bed & Breakfasts or luxury resorts.

In the morning, visit Sedona's local shops and galleries for Native American
jewelry,
pottery, crafts, rugs and gifts. Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants
at internationally
renowned Tlaquepaque, where an exceptional collection of Sedona's fine
shops and
galleries gather in one unique location. If it's Sunday, be sure to brunch
at The
Enchantment Resort -- the view of Boynton Canyon alone is worth the visit.

Drive to Clarkdale (:30) where you will find the Verde Canyon Railroad
train depot.
In the afternoon, embark upon the four-hour train ride past Native American
ruins
and historic sites, watching for bald eagles, herons and other wildlife
along the
way. Afterward, drive a short distance to Blazin' M Ranch for a cowboy
supper and
entertainment.

Overnight in Cottonwood.

Head over to Montezuma Castle (:20) to view this five-story, 20-room "castle,"
which stands in a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley floor. Nearby
is Montezuma
Well, where you can climb down into the sinkhole (not the water) and see
the caves
and the outlet of the springs.

Travel back to Cottonwood and visit Tuzigoot National Monument, an entire
village
centered on a pueblo that is two stories high and was built on a hill 120
feet above
the Verde River.

In the afternoon, take a one-hour horseback ride or try your luck at Cliff
Castle
Casino on the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Enjoy dinner at the casino.

Overnight in Camp Verde.

Take a leisurely drive south on Historic Highway 89A over Mingus Mountain
to Prescott
Valley (:45). This beautiful road is visually and physically enclosed by
the vegetation
and canyon walls. Stop at one of the many breathtaking overlooks.

Arrive in Prescott and spend time at one of the area lakes: Goldwater,
Lynx, Watson,
Willow Springs or Granite Basin. Fish, kayak or canoe or, like the miners
who built
Prescott - Arizona's original state capital, spend time panning for gold
in Lynx
Creek. Dine at one of the many restaurants and microbreweries in historic
downtown
Prescott. Spend the evening saloon-hopping on Whiskey Row.

Overnight in Prescott.

Take the walking tour of Victorian homes and visit the Smoki Museum to
explore Native
American history, then move on to the Phippen Museum for one of the state's
best
displays of Western art. Or, if museums and history aren't what you're
after, you
can play a leisurely round of golf on any of five public courses.

Drive east to Cordes Junction (:40) and visit architect Paolo Soleri's
futuristic
city, Arcosanti. Afterward, head back to Sedona or the Verde Valley. If
you're making
your way down to the Greater Phoenix area, be sure to stop at the Rock
Springs Café
in Black Canyon City and try the pie - we guarantee you'll buy one to take
with
you.

Note: Travel time is indicated in the parenthesis [i.e. (:10) indicates
a travel
time of 10 minutes].